Could physical activity improve lung cancer survival?

This large scale analysis looked at the impact of physical activity on cancer mortality.

It has long been assumed that the amount of physical activity, along with diet and other lifestyle factors, has an impact on the development and progression of cancer. Studies have shown an increased incidence of cancer diagnoses among people who are physically inactive or suffer from obesity. It has also been suggested that cancer outcomes, such as mortality, may be influenced by physical activity after the diagnosis of lung cancer. According to current medical guidelines, all able individuals should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate to high intensity physical activity per week.

The present study analyzed data from 293,511 individuals participating in the National Institutes of Health Diet and Health Study. Participants received questionnaires to assess the baseline level of physical activity and other medical and lifestyle factors. Participant data was then matched against public health records to analyze the effects of physical activity on cancer incidence and outcomes. An average follow-up of 12.1 years was achieved. During this time, a total of 15,001 cancer deaths were recorded.

The overall risk of cancer death was found to be decreased as the time spent engaged in physical activity increased. For patients reporting between 1-3 hours of vigorous physical activity per week, the risk of any cancer related death was reduced by 7%. A reduced risk of 10% was noted among those reporting between 4-7 hours per week, and by 11% in those reporting over 7 hours of physical activity per week.

Specifically among lung cancer patients, mortality risk was significantly reduced in all patients who engaged in more than 1 hour of vigorous physical activity per week, with best results seen in the 4 to 7 hours per week activity group. The greatest benefits with physical activity were seen in patients who were smokers.

This large-scale study concluded that even a small amount of weekly exercise is associated with a reduced risk for cancer mortality.